Research Guides: Animal Law: Ag-Gag

Ag-Gag

Books

Theses

Journal Articles

Legislation

Alberta

Manitoba

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Federal (Proposed)

2023, Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms)
Ag-gag style bill aiming to penalize individuals unlawfully accessing properties with animals if it poses a risk of exposing them to diseases or toxic substances.

Leading Cases

Animal Justice et al v. A.G. of Ontario 2024 ONSC 1753
Constitutional Law
(2024) In a landmark decision, Ontario's Superior Court of Justice struck down most of the province's ag-gag law, in the first case challenging a Canadian ag-gag law. Justice Markus Koehnen declared restrictions on undercover investigations at farms and slaughterhouses unconstitutional, citing violations of the right to freedom of expression. While upholding restrictions on protests outside slaughterhouses, the ruling suspends provisions banning undercover work. The decision follows a lawsuit by Animal Justice, journalist Jessica Scott-Reid, and activist Louise Jorgensen. Advocates celebrate the victory, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the food industry and the role of investigative work in exposing animal cruelty.